In 1912 Erich Hamann opened his first shop in Berlin selling a selection of only "Bitter Chocolates". In order to be able to cater to his growing crowd of devoted customers, seven more stores were opened between 1924 and 1935, of which all but the original Stammhaus, which was built in 1928 on Brandenburgische Straße and remained intact with its entire interior designed by Bauhaus artist Johannes Itten, were destroyed during the war.

Up until today, exquisite chocolates are being manufactured in compliance with the original recipes and traditional production methods. True to the brand's motto "the best of the best", the palette is further enriched by some of the best marzipan available. With a substantial amount of 65% almonds, it practically melts in your mouth.

Apart from the mere sight of of the renowned blue-bowed truffle boxes, it's the chocolate figures wrapped in tinfoil that make me sigh time and time again. Shapes as well as paper wraps resemble the original sketches and are so beautifully kitschy and nostalgic that as much as I usually like minimalism these things still got my fancy. And here's a secret tip: order a 100 bars, and you can get your chocolate personalised!